As 2025 begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on the previous year. First, I am grateful to God for His guiding hand and unwavering love that have anchored me through the highs and lows – especially during a challenging re-election season. I am grateful to Him, who knows my truth, and understands my divine purpose in serving our lāhui.
Despite personal challenges, I found ways to give back. Last year, through Ke Akua’s blessing, I formed Hoʻohana Molokaʻi, an organization designed to support nonprofits. Thanks to a generous funder, Hoʻokahua, and support from other entities, I have been blessed to help our Molokaʻi community benefit from:
- $20,000 in toys for an Easter giveaway at Lanikeha Center.
- $3,000 to the Molokaʻi Rodeo Scholarship Fund benefiting two Molokaʻi High students.
- $600 worth of gingerbread houses for a holiday gingerbread house decorating event.
- $500 in gifts personally donated to the Hoʻolehua Homestead Association’s (HHA) annual Christmas pāʻina.
- $500 for Kualapuʻu Charter School’s annual fundraiser.
- Establishment of the Aloha Diaper Bank – Molokaʻi for struggling families, the physically challenged, and seniors.
- $2,000 for HHA’s Scholarship Fund.
My personal contributions via Hoʻohana Molokaʻi provided awards for:
- $20,000 to HHA for kūpuna home repairs.
- $30,000 to Molokaʻi Baptist Church nonprofit home repairs project for Hawaiian homesteaders.
- $1,000 to HHA’s scholarship fund, benefiting two high school seniors.
- $1,000 for the Molokaʻi High School Culinary Student Scholarship fundraiser.
- $1,000 to purchase a VIP table for HHA’s Scholarship lūʻau.
- $5,000 to Aloha Diaper Bank – Molokaʻi.
- $1,000 to Youth in Motion Molokaʻi football team.
- $1,000 for Aloha Diaper Bank fundraiser.
- $2,000 for Nā Wāhine o ke Kai canoe races – Koa canoe division.
- $500 to Kualapuʻu Charter School fundraiser.
- $5,000 to HHA for its kūpuna home repairs project.
- Donated gifts for the 2024 HHA Christmas pāʻina.
Focusing on service to others has reinforced my commitment to our lāhui and enriched my understanding of the needs and struggles faced by Molokaʻi residents. Each initiative, every dollar raised, and every moment spent, has been a testament to the power of community support. I, too, want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to these initiatives – our volunteers, donors, and community partners. Together, we are building a brighter future for Molokaʻi, one meaningful contribution at a time.
As I turn the page on 2024, I am proud of the opportunity to serve in 2025 as the chair of the Budget and Finance Committee under our newly elected chair of the Board of Trustees, Kaialiʻi Kahele. I am committed to ensuring that we manage our resources effectively while prioritizing the needs of our community. With God’s blessing, I am hopeful for what lies ahead in 2025. I believe that with our collective efforts and a shared vision for progress, our new leadership will thrive. Here’s to a prosperous and impactful 2025! Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!
Trustee Luana Alapa
